Palm Laboratory

Players run a small alchemical laboratory, combining experiments to create monsters, devices, and potions while preventing mishaps. The game is solitaire and uses a compact deck of four-sided cards that represent machines, ingredients, and goals. Each turn the top two cards are examined and the player either takes the action printed on the top card or discards it to the back of the deck. Actions require paying costs and then rotate, flip, or “store” the card (rotated 90° so it protrudes) to change its effect. Stored and upgraded cards increase resource production, award points, or advance a selected goal card that defines victory and can introduce new resources or objectives. The system emphasizes deck transformation and tight handheld resource management.

Players: 1–2 best 1
Playing time: 10–30 min
Age: 10+
Complexity: 1.8 / 5